Particulate Matter Exposure Aggravates IL-17-Induced Eye and Nose Inflammation in an OVA/Poly(I:C) Mouse Model

Data on the effects of direct particulate matter (PM) exposure on the eyes and the nose are limited. Here, an interleukin (IL)-17/neutrophil-dominant ovalbumin (OVA)/polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly(I:C)) mouse model was used to evaluate the effect of different-sized titanium dioxide (TiO₂) particles on the eyes and the nose. We also examined whether IL-17-neutralizing antibody (IL-17Ab) treatment could reverse TiO₂ effects.

The nasal cavities and conjunctival sacs of each mouse were challenged with OVA and Poly(I:C) to induce neutrophil-dominant inflammation and then exposed to micro- and nano-TiO₂. Subsequently, IL-17Ab was administered to investigate the role of IL-17 and inflammatory parameters.

Micro- and nano-TiO₂ resulted in significant decreases in tear-break-up time and increases in corneal damage. Airborne micro-TiO₂ also increased nasal rubbing and sneezing counts compared with the OVA/Poly(I:C). Micro-TiO₂ exposure increased infiltration of neutrophils and IL-17A+ cells in the conjunctival tissues and the nasal mucosae. In addition, these increased symptoms and inflammation in the eyes and the nose by micro-TiO₂ exposure were inhibited by the IL-17Ab, suggesting IL-17 dependency.

TiO₂ aggravated IL-17-induced eye and nose inflammation and the IL-17Ab alleviated inflammation in the OVA/Poly(I:C) mouse model. These results may help develop a therapeutic modality for PM exposure and provide evidence for PM-associated diseases.